Buy Ontario Advocacy, Municipal Accountability, Child Care Funding, and more.

Municipalities already make most of their purchases from Ontario and Canadian businesses.

However, AMO has heard from our members that the Buy Ontario Act requirements have introduced red tape, making it more difficult for local companies to comply while increasing the cost of major infrastructure projects.

In a joint letter to the province, AMO and its partners outlined four key recommendations.

AMO Submission to Municipal Accountability Act Consultation

AMO has submitted its formal feedback regarding the provincial consultation on regulations under the Municipal Accountability Act, 2026.

AMO’s position is that municipal elected officials must be held to high ethical standards through an accessible Integrity Commissioner process.

At the same time, local democracy must be protected from politically motivated or inappropriate complaints to avoid misuse of the system.

Canada–Ontario Affordable Child Care Agreement Extended

AMO and the province welcomes this additional federal funding which will maintain current parent fees.

Work will be undertaken to determine the next steps necessary to sustain and deliver its child care program.

Municipal Service Managers have been central to implementation, bringing local knowledge of community needs, child care capacity, and waitlists.

Early Bird Rates at ROMA 2027

Don't miss out on early bird registration rates at the 2027 ROMA conference, available until October 30th.

Connect with the province, network with other rural Ontario leaders, and hear from experts on issues impacting Ontario’s rural communities.

New Councillor Day at ROMA

Coming to Toronto for the ROMA conference? Come a day early! AMO is offering the first two modules of its new council education program Local Leadership Foundations live and in person at the conference hotel the day before ROMA opens. Find more details and registration here.

LAS AMO Business Services

Blog: When Someone Clicks: Five Security Awareness Measures for Municipalities

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and for many municipalities that means a fresh round of awareness training. It is also a good moment to ask a harder question: when a convincing phishing email gets through, will your staff tell you? Read more here.

Simplify FOI and Privacy Impact Assessment

Managing privacy risk has become increasingly important for Ontario municipalities, particularly with the growing use of AI-enabled technologies. Reach out to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Impact Assessments services partner, Vayle, for more information.

Streamline Your Document Signing Process

Streamline your document signing process with secure and authentic online digital signatures through the Electronic Signature service offered by program partner, Notarius. Learn more.

Municipal Risk and Claim Management

AMO/LAS Business Services, in partnership with ClearRisk Inc., offers a Risk and Claim Management System that is an accessible, agile, cloud-based solution that automates risk and claims data processing, and informs enterprise-wide decision making for your municipality. Learn more.

Digitize your Permitting Process

Build your community faster with an online permitting process for both staff and the construction community. Learn how to accept, review, and issue building permits online with easy communication through the Electronic Permitting Service.

Two-Day Virtual Course on Equitable Energy Strategies

Feeling the impact of rising energy costs? Learn about energy strategies that reduce emissions, build resilience, and deliver services fairly to all residents in this course offered by OSPE.

2026 Western Ontario Municipal Conference in Guelph

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western Ontario Municipal Conference (WOMC), taking place October 16, 2026, at the Delta Guelph Conference Centre in Guelph. Featuring keynote speaker, the Hon. Bob Rae, alongside programming focused on municipal leadership, emerging priorities, and opportunities facing communities across Western Ontario.

In Case You Missed It

Recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

First Nations, Inuit and Métis People live in almost every municipality across Ontario, with around 85.5% of Indigenous people in Ontario living within municipalities.

Municipalities have a responsibility to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and take steps to redress the socio-economic impacts of colonization by meaningfully advancing reconciliation.

AMO's Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan reflects our commitment to fostering stronger, more meaningful municipal-Indigenous relationships.

OMERS Proposed Regulations

The province's proposed regulations preserve AMO’s leadership role as the official representative of municipal employers on the new OMERS Sponsors Council.

MEPCO and AMO will continue to monitor the transition and its implications for municipalities and work with other Sponsors to ensure we have a strong voice in the new governance structure. Feedback is due October 23.

AMO is Hiring a Policy Advisor

We are seeking a Policy Advisor to lead and support the analysis and advocacy efforts that advance top municipal priorities.

In this role, you will help shape the public conversation about municipalities and influence provincial policy to benefit people and communities across Ontario.

The position is to fill a 12-month contract to cover a parental leave. The closing date is October 13.

*Disclaimer: The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is unable to provide any warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of third-party submissions. Distribution of these items does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or services mentioned.

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AMO calls for improvements to Buy Ontario rules with industry partners